World’s best arrive in Fiji

TAVARUA, Fiji: The Fiji Pro is set to start today, with the world’s best surfers doing battle in the world-class reef breaks of Cloudbreak and Restaurants.

Following one of the most dynamic seasonal starts in the history of professional surfing, the World Surf League Top 34 will trade the high-performance waves of Australia and Brazil for the world-renowned perfection of the Fijian Islands.

Australian Matt Wilkinson, winner of the opening two events of the season and the current rankings frontrunner, leads the world’s best surfers to Cloudbreak this week. Wilkinson will take on compatriot Josh Kerr and Hawaiian Keanu Asing in the opening round.

“It’s been one of the craziest years of my life,” Wilkinson said. “I’m working hard and I’m having fun and the results have come my way.”

Following a brief absence from the world stage, threetime world champion Mick Fanning, of Australia, and 11-time champion Kelly Slater (USA) will return to the competitive arena at this week’s Fiji Pro. Slater has had one of the worst starts to his storied professional career this year, having only advanced through one heat so far.

All eyes will be on the iconic American when he hits the water against compatriot Kolohe Andino and Hawaiian wildcard Sebastian Zietz in round one.

South Africa’s Jordy Smith takes on Australians Adrian Buchan and Taj Burrow in round one. – WSL